Programs benefit big from Wine Alliance event

LAKE COUNTY -- Five high schools, five youth groups and five other non-profit organizations will benefit from this year's Lake County Wine Auction, Wine Alliance President Kaj Ahlmann has announced.

The county's youth programs were big winners, with 10 of the 15 beneficiaries of the Sept. 21 fundraiser representing Lake County's students and youth organizations.

The fine arts education programs at the five Lake County High Schools, the Clear Lake Performing Arts youth programs, Friends of the Lake County Museum's outreach program for students, the 4-H Club, and Taylor Observatory's student programs are among those programs that will benefit.

Other county groups on the list of beneficiaries are Operation Tango Mike, Wreaths Across America, the Council of Church Women's shoes and socks program, the Yuba College Culinary, People Services, Inc.

Tickets for the Wine Auction will be available on the Wine Alliance website (www.winealliance.org) or by calling 866-279-WINE.

The Wine Alliance, a nonprofit organization of wineries, winegrape growers, vineyard owners and related businesses and community supporters, has contributed $991,302 to local groups since its inception in 2000.

The 14th annual event, open to guests 21 years of age and older, will be held at the Cole Creek Equestrian Center in Kelseyville.

Information about sponsorship opportunities is available from Marie Beery at 278-0129. Major sponsors confirmed to date are Mendo Lake Credit Union and American Ag Credit Union.

In addition, $5,000 matching grants have been received from Deutsche Bank and General Electric.